Floatable collection receptacle

ABSTRACT

An aquatic collection receptacle that floats while remaining attached to a diver. Embodiments can include floatable rim with an attached underwater container. Further embodiments include an escape barrier or crossing lines over the mouth of the receptacle to prevent loss of contents while floating. A lanyard connects the receptacle to a diver, allowing it to float and be pulled along by the diver. If pulled beneath the water surface by the lanyard, the floatable rim can fold or otherwise close over the mouth of the container to prevent loss of contents. Alternative embodiments include a breakaway lanyard to ensure safety of the diver.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

There is a variety of bounty, both edible and non-edible, that can beharvested from the fresh and salt waters around the world. Whilecommercial harvesting of some fish and crustacean species is a lucrativebusiness, there is a large number of species that are only available tothose individuals brave enough and willing to venture into such waterswith the minimal gear. Often, state and federal regulations permit only“hand-harvesting” of various tasty sea creatures or collectable shells,coral, rocks, or other items. In many states and countries there areyearly seasons that allow individuals to harvest scallops, clams,oysters, abalone, mussels, lobsters, and other sea creatures.

Some things can be easily collected by wading in shallow waters. But,many are only found in deeper waters, sometimes in the bottom sedimentsor rocks. Typically, hand-harvesters use diving or snorkeling gear suchas mask, snorkel, and swim fins to reach quarry within free-divingrange. They also usually hold some sort of collecting container such asa bag or sack, for storing their catch. Unfortunately, having to holdthe container with one hand makes it difficult to swim and collect. Italso limits how much can be collected in the container, as too muchweight or a large volume would be difficult to carry while swimming.

There is a need for a collecting container that can be kept withinconvenient proximity to a swimmer or wader, but does not necessarilyhave to be carried or maintained by hand. It could also be closable toprevent escape of live quarry. A compact or collapsible construction foreasy transport and storage would also be advantageous.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The subject invention provides a collecting receptacle that successfullyaddresses the above described, and other, disadvantages associated withpreviously known devices and methods. In particular, the subjectinvention provides inexpensive, and highly effective methods and devicesfor convenient and effective underwater collection.

Generally, the embodiments disclosed herein include a collectingreceptacle that floats, while remaining attached to a swimmer or diver.This can permit the swimmer or diver to utilize both hands for swimmingand collecting. In other embodiments, the collecting receptacle isclosable, to prevent escape of live collections and assist in transport.Also disclosed are embodiments that include the addition of varioussafety devices and swimmer identification or “diver down” devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order that a more precise understanding of the above recitedinvention be obtained, a more particular description of the inventionbriefly described above will be rendered by reference to specificembodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itshould also be understood that the drawings presented herein may not bedrawn to scale and that any reference to or indication of dimensions inthe drawings or the following description are specific to theembodiments disclosed. Any variations of these dimensions that willallow the subject invention to function for its intended purpose areconsidered to be within the scope of the subject invention. Thus,understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of theinvention and are not therefore to be considered as limiting in scope,the invention will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1A is a perspective drawing of one embodiment of a collectingreceptacle of the subject invention showing an attached safety locatordevice.

FIG. 1B illustrates one embodiment of a safety locator device that canbe utilized with the embodiments of the subject invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of an alternative embodiment of acollecting receptacle of the subject invention showing a support rimhaving two foldable sections and a retractable and/or breakaway lanyard.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of another alternative embodiment of acollecting receptacle of the subject invention showing a support rimhaving multiple closable sections and a lanyard having shock-arrestmechanism and a break-away mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of still another embodiment of acollecting receptacle of the subject invention showing an alternativeembodiment of a support rim and a lanyard housing.

FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of an embodiment demonstrating how thesupport rim can close when the collection receptacle is pulled beneaththe water surface.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

The subject invention in general describes embodiments of a floatablecollecting receptacle. More specifically, the subject invention pertainsto one or more embodiment(s) of a floatable c for collecting, or similaruses, that can be attached to a swimmer and that is capable of closingautomatically, if submerged, to prevent escape or loss of collecteditems therein.

The following description will disclose that the subject invention isparticularly useful in the field of aquatic operations or procedures,particularly collecting of live specimens. However, a person with skillin the art will be able to recognize numerous other uses that would beapplicable to the devices and methods of the subject invention. Othermodifications apparent to a person with skill in the art and havingbenefit of the subject disclosure are contemplated to be within thescope of the present invention.

In the description that follows, a number of terms related to aquaticharvesting or collecting are utilized. In order to provide a clear andconsistent understanding of the specification and claims, including thescope to be given such terms, the following definitions are provided.

The terms “swimmer”, “diver”, “harvester” and “collector” as usedherein, describes any person participating in the process of underwatersearching and collecting. This can include a person walking or wading inshallow water or a person swimming in deeper water, with or without anyswimming or diving gear.

As used herein, the terms “collectable”, “item”, “collected item” orvariations thereof refer to anything obtained by a harvester. This caninclude living, or once living, species, such as, but not limited to,scallops, oysters, clams, fish, shells, corals, plants, fossils, or thelike. It can also include any non-living item, such as, but not limitedto, rocks, archeological-related items, or any other non-living itemdesired to be collected.

Also, as used herein, and unless otherwise specifically stated, theterms “operable communication”, “operable attachment” and “operablyconnected”, or the like, mean that the particular elements are connectedin such a way that they cooperate to achieve their intended function orfunctions. The “connection” may be direct, or indirect, physical orremote.

In addition, references to “first”, “second”, and the like (e.g., firstand second floats), as used herein, and unless otherwise specificallystated, are intended to identify a particular feature of which there areat least two. However, these references are not intended to confer anyorder in time, structural orientation, or sidedness (e.g., left orright) with respect to a particular feature.

Finally, reference is made throughout the application to the “proximalend” and “distal end.” As used herein, the distal end is that endfarthest from the harvester that typically floats at or above the watersurface. Conversely, the proximal end of the device is that end nearestto a harvester.

It should also be understood that the singular for “a,” “an” and “the”,as used in the specification and in the claims, are meant to includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The present invention is more particularly described in the followingembodiments that are intended to be illustrative only since numerousmodifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilledin the art. With reference to the attached figures, which show certainembodiments of the subject invention, it can be seen that the subjectinvention provides a floatable collection receptacle 10 that includes,in general, a support rim 30 at the distal end 300, a container 50, alanyard 70 and a securing device 90 at the proximal end 500. Optionalembodiments can include one or more of various position indicators 100,such as, but not limited to, diver down flag, light emitter, markerbuoys, noise emitters, and other position locators or safety devices.

The support rim 30 can provide a framework of, one or more parts, towhich the container 50 and/or other items can be affixed. The supportrim 30 can also float, so that it is capable of maintaining some portionof itself at, near, or above the surface of the water. In oneembodiment, the support rim is an inflatable/deflatable flexible orsemi-flexible balloon or balloon-like apparatus. In a furtherembodiment, the flexible balloon can be emptied of air or other buoyantsubstance and compressed so that it occupies a smaller space,advantageous for storage and transport.

In an alternative embodiment, the support rim is a rigid or semi-rigidhollow structure. In a further embodiment, the structure can be emptiedof air and/or gas, but maintain, either entirely or partially, theoriginal shape. In an alternative embodiment, the support rim can befilled with air and/or gas to enhance floatability.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the support rim can be a solid orsemi-solid construction manufactured of any of a variety of floating orfloatable materials, such as, but not limited to, various plastics,open-cell foams, closed-cell foams, polystyrene foam (Styrofoam™), wood,rubbers, fiberglass, and other suitable materials or variouscombinations thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the support rim is manufactured of a rigidfoam that can resist water intrusion or absorption. In a more specificembodiment, the support rim is manufactured of a generally solid, rigid,closed-cell foam material. In an alternative particular embodiment, thesupport rim is manufactured of a flexible balloon. In a more specificalternative embodiment, the flexible balloon can be inflated for use anddeflated for storage and transport.

There are a variety of materials or devices that can be utilized for asupport rim of the subject invention. A person with skill in the artwould be able to determine an appropriate material or structuralapparatus for use as a support rim of the subject invention. Any and allsuch variations that are not inconsistent with the teachings herein areconsidered to be within the scope of the subject invention.

The general circumferential shape of the support rim 30 can varydepending upon any of a variety of factors known to those with skill inthe art. For example, the shape of the support rim can be round, oval,square, rectangular, triangular, elongated, tubular, other polygonalshapes or combinations thereof. In a specific embodiment, the supportrim has a generally toroidal or donut-like shape. In a more specificembodiment, the support rim has a generally toroidal shape withflattened or partially flattened upper surface 30A and lower surface30B. As will be discussed below, a container 50 can be attached to thesupport rim 30. In a further embodiment, the support rim has a generallycentral or interior opening 32 there through to permit access to acontainer attached thereto or there around. FIGS. 1-3 illustrateexamples of a support rim 30 having a generally toroidal shape that canhave one or more flattened surfaces 30A and 30B and an interior opening32. It should be understood that the exterior shape 34, exterior shape35, the shape of the interior opening 32, or the shape of any other partof the support rim can vary. It is anticipated that any and allvariations in the shape of the support rim that permit the floatablereceptacle 10 to operate as herein, or similarly thereto, are within thescope of the subject invention.

Attached to the support rim, a container 50 typically hangs below ordrifts underneath the support rim 30, usually below the surface of thewater. This can be advantageous when collecting live specimens orcollected items that are better kept submerged until they can beproperly handled out of water. In one embodiment, the container is arigid or semi-rigid enclosure. In an alternative embodiment, thecontainer is a flexible, collapsible or otherwise non-rigid enclosure.The container can be enclosed, allowing little or no water flow into orout of the container. Alternatively, the container can have a pluralityof openings to allow movement of water into and out of the container.The access opening to the container, or the mouth 52, can be in anylocation on the container that permits deposit of collectables. In oneembodiment, one or mouths 52 are located on the side(s) of thecontainer. Alternatively, the container can have a typical bag-likeconfiguration, wherein the one or more mouths can be at one end of thecontainer, generally opposite a bottom end 54. In a particularembodiment, the container is a fabric or fabric-like material. In a morespecific embodiment, the container is a flexible, mesh material. In astill more specific embodiment, the container is a mesh-like materialhaving a mouth at the distal end 300, such as seen, for example, inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

The shape of the container can vary depending upon a variety of factorsincluding, but not limited to, materials utilized, the expectedcollectable item, environment for use, dimension of the container, andother factors known and understood by those with skill in the art. Inone embodiment, the container has a squared or box-like shape. In analternative embodiment, the bag has a somewhat cone-shapedconfiguration, wherein the bottom end 54 is significantly narrower thanthe mouth 52, an example of which is shown in FIG. 2. This canfacilitate closing of the mouth and support rim, as will be discussedbelow.

The coupling of the container 50 and the support rim can be accomplishedby any of one or more techniques and devices known to those with skillin the art. Such coupling can be permanent wherein the container andsupport rim are inseparable. In another embodiment, the coupling isremovable, such that the support rim and container can be separated forstorage, transport, repair, or any other necessity. In one embodiment,the mouth of the container is attached directly to the support rim. Inan alternative embodiment, the mouth of the container extends overand/or around the support rim, such that it can be coupled back toitself, forming a sleeve-like enclosure around the support rim. In astill further embodiment, one or more straps, hooks, or other knowndevices are used to couple the container to the support rim. In aparticular embodiment, multiple strips of hook and loop material areutilized to attach the container to the support rim. A person with skillin the art and having benefit of the subject disclosure would be able todevise any of a number of devices and techniques for permanently orremovably coupling the container to the support rim. It is contemplatedthat any all such variations that are not inconsistent with theteachings herein are within the scope of the subject invention.

It can be helpful if a harvester, who may be swimming in less than calmwater, can obtain access to the container mouth 52 to quickly and easilydeposit collected items. For example, one usual procedure is to makemultiple dives of short duration in between which the diver returns,collected items in hand, to the surface to breathe and deposit thecollected items into the container. Thus, being able to deposit itemswithout having to manipulate the opening on the container can behelpful.

In one embodiment, the mouth 52 of the container is maintained in anopen position, allowing the diver to easily deposit items. In a furtherembodiment, the container 50 is constructed such that the mouth 52 isgenerally proximal to the bottom end 54, as illustrated, for example, inFIGS. 1-4. As mentioned previously, the shape of the support rim can besimilar to, for example, a toroid or washer, that is, it has an interioropening 32. In this embodiment, the support rim 30 is affixed around themouth 52 of the container 50, such that the mouth 52 is open anddirected towards the surface of the water. This can allow a harvester tosimply drop collected items into the receptacle, which will fall to thebottom end 54 of the container. When the support rim is coupled to themouth of the container, there is formed a combined opening 57 in thefloatable container 10.

It is typical for captured aquatic species to immediately seek refuge indeeper water when released. Thus, live specimens, even with an openmouth 52, will tend not to escape since they instinctively move towardsthe bottom end 54 of the container. However, it is possible that thecollection receptacle 10 can be pulled beneath the surface, that waveaction can cause temporary submersion of the support rim 30, or otherfactors can cause live specimens to be disturbed and/or activated tomove towards the mouth opening. Birds or other wildlife may also attemptto steal live specimens. To better ensure that specimens do not escape,an escape barrier 56 can be secured around the opening 57. An escapebarrier 56 can be any structure or apparatus that crosses all or part ofthe opening to prevent collected items, particularly live specimens,from jumping, flying, propelling, climbing, or in any other way escapingfrom the floating collection container 10.

In one embodiment, an escape barrier is a flexible material that extendsacross at least a portion of the opening 57, as shown, for example, inFIG. 1. An escape barrier can be permanently or removably attached. In afurther embodiment, the escape barrier can have a drop hole 58approximately centered in and/or angled towards the opening 57, suchthat when collectables are dropped into the interior opening, they aredirected towards the drop hole and into the container.

In another embodiment, the escape barrier 56 is a net or mesh-likematerial that extends across at least a portion of the opening. In amore specific embodiment, the net or mesh material has openings that aresufficiently large enough that a diver can drop collected items throughthe opening and they will move quickly and easily through or past themesh openings and into the container.

In a still further alternative embodiment, illustrated, for example, inFIG. 4, one or more crossing lines 59 can be extended across theopening. Crossing lines can be one or more separate lines having twoends attached to a different point, so that they cross over the opening57 of the collecting receptacle 10. Crossing lines can be attached tothe container, the support rim, or some other apparatus attached to thesupport rim or container. In one embodiment, crossing lines extend overthe mouth in either the same plane or in one or more different planes,where some lines may be above or below other lines. In a furtherembodiment, crossing lines can extend in the same linear direction, thatis they can be generally parallel or they can overlap at differentangles to provide a criss-crossing pattern of separate lines, such asshown, for example in FIG. 3.

While is anticipated that the support rim 30 will float at or above thesurface of the water most of the time, it is possible that it can becomeentirely or partially submerged. For example, a harvester may ventureinto water that is deeper than the length of the lanyard 70, which willbe described below, causing the support rim 30 to be pulled downward,partially or entirely underwater. When this happens, any items orspecimens in the receptacle 10 can be lost, such as when the upwardforce of the water causes the items to be pushed towards or out of themouth 52 or through an escape barrier 56.

To reduce or prevent the loss of collected items when the collectionreceptacle 10 is taken below the surface of the water, the support rimcan be made of one or more sections that can come together in somefashion to close or otherwise reduce the size of the. In one embodiment,the support rim is divided into one or more sections that, whensubmerged can fold upwards or turn vertically or otherwise come togetherto close over or otherwise reduce the size of the mouth of thereceptacle. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of this embodiment. When thesupport rim rises back to the surface of the water, the sections canunfold or separate so that the mouth is again conveniently open. In oneembodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 there is a divide between thesections that allows them sufficient space, so that they can be foldedupwards or be drawn together to adequately close the mouth.

In one embodiment, the support rim is configured of multiple generallyC-shaped sections. The C-shaped sections can be coupled to and/or aroundthe mouth of the receptacle. In a particular embodiment, the support rimis configured of two generally C-shaped sections, such as shown, forexample, in FIGS. 1 and 2. When the collection receptacle is on thesurface, the C-shaped sections and their attachment to the mouth of thecontainer cause them to tend towards spreading apart, allowing access tothe opening 57, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, when the collectionreceptacle is pulled downward, especially by the force of the lanyard 70pulling from the bottom end 54, the sections turn vertically with thearms 38 of the C-shaped sections pulled downward first, forcing the apexside 39 upwards, closing or at least making smaller the interior opening32 and fully or at least partially closing the mouth 52, such as shown,for example, in FIG. 5 When the collection container again emerges ontothe surface, the apex sides 39 emerge first and tend to fall apart asthe legs follow upwards, forcing the mouth back into an open position.

In another embodiment, the support rim is configured of multiplesections that are coupled to and around the mouth of the container. Thesections can be straight, curved or some combination thereof. When thecollection receptacle is on the surface, the multiple sections can floatindependently and help to maintain the mouth in a generally openposition. When the collection receptacle is submerged, particularly whenpulled from the bottom end 54, the buoyancy of the multiple sectionswill cause them to gather together, drawing the mouth of the containerclosed. Again, when the support rim 30 emerges onto the surface again,the multiple sections can float apart, allowing access to the opening57.

In a still further embodiment, the support rim is configured of multiplegenerally elongated sections. In a particular embodiment, the supportrim is configured of two generally elongated sections. In a furtherembodiment, the elongated sections are interdigitated, such as, forexample, two S-shapes or two I-shapes, such that the two sections can besituated side by side with little or no space in-between. The elongatedsections are arranged so as to be basically parallel and on either sideof the mouth. As above, when the collection receptacle is on thesurface, the elongated sections can float independently and help tomaintain the mouth in a generally open position. When the collectionreceptacle is submerged, particularly when pulled from the bottom end54, the buoyancy of the elongated sections, as well as theirinterdigitated shapes will cause them to come together, drawing themouth of the container closed. Again, when the support rim 30 emergesonto the surface again, the multiple sections can float apart, causingthe mouth to remain generally open.

It can be important to ensure that the opening 57 of the containerremains accessible for the deposit of collected items. A diver with fullhands may not be able to separate or rearrange the support rim sectionsif they overlap or become entangled. Thus, when the support rim issubmerged, the configuration of the different sections should be suchthat they maintain an opening when re-emerged onto the surface. Tofacilitate this, one or more biased elements 40 can be located betweentwo or more sections. The biased elements, examples of which are shownin FIG. 2 can allow the sections to come together as designed when thesupport rim is submerged, but can also urge the sections to separateappropriately when they re-emerge onto the surface.

In one embodiment, a hinged apparatus or joint apparatus can be locatedbetween two or more sections of the support rim. In a furtherembodiment, the hinge or jointed can be spring-biased in a singledirection, as shown, by way of example, in FIG. 2. In an alternativeembodiment, one or more shape-memory materials or devices such as, forexample, a spring, can be located between two or more sections of thesupport rim. The biased elements, be it a hinge, joint, shape memorymaterial or other apparatus, can be biased so as to maintain thesections in a particular configuration when floating on the surface.When submerged, the buoyancy of the support rim and the force of thewater can cause the usually floating sections to fold, interdigitate, orotherwise come together, such as described above, so as to close theopening 57. This, in turn, forces the biased hinge or joint to bend orcompress and/or the shape-memory material or device to bend, fold orotherwise deform, for as long as the floating receptacle is submerged.When the sections re-emerge onto the water surface, the biased apparatusor shape-memory material forces the sections back into their originalconfiguration.

It is usually good practice, and even a requirement in certain locales,that divers or swimmers employ a safety device(s) that indicate theirlocation in the water. In most U.S. waters, divers and swimmers arerequired to display a “diver down” flag on a vessel or other floatingmarker. This indicates to other boaters that there is a diver somewherewithin 300 feet of that vessel or floating marker. However, it can bedifficult for a diver, swimmer, or other boaters to accurately judgewhether they are within the 300 ft. safety zone. Surface marker buoys(SMBs) can be utilized that attach directly to the diver or swimmer andhighlight their position as they move through the water.

In one embodiment, the floating collection receptacle 10 can alsofunction as an SMB by the addition of one or more position indicatordevices 100. In one embodiment, the support rim is rendered in ahigh-visibility color that makes it easier to see when floating on thewater surface. In a further embodiment, a position indicator device 100can be attached to the floatable receptacle. A position indicator devicecan be an apparatus fixedly or removeably attached to the floatingcollection receptacle. In one embodiment, the position indicator deviceis attached to the support rim. In another embodiment, the positionindicator device can be positioned above the distal end 300 of thesupport rim 30. This can provide greater distance visibility to theposition indicator device and also ensure that it does not interferewhen depositing items into the container.

In a particular embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in FIG.1, the position indicator device 100 is a diver down flag 110 attachedto a rod or pole 130. It can be advantageous if the pole can be reducedin length when not in use to permit easier, and safer, transport andstorage. In one embodiment, the pole can include two or more foldable orbendable members, an example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.In an alternative embodiment, the pole can include two or moretelescoping sections. The members can be unfolded or extended to providea pole of sufficient length. In a still further alternative embodiment,all or part of the pole can be manufactured of a shape-memory material,such as plastic, rubber, metals, and other such materials, orshape-memory devices, such as springs, coils, specially shapedapparatuses, or similarly self-erecting sections. The rod can extend theflag, when attached, such that the top of the flag is betweenapproximately 12 inches and approximately 5.0 ft above the distal end ofthe support rim. In a particular embodiment, the rod extends the flagsuch that the top of the flag is between approximately 2 ft and 3 ftabove the distal end of the support rim.

In a further embodiment, the pole is attached so that it extends in agenerally distal direction and from a side of the support rim. By nothaving the flag extending from the upper surface 30A of the support rimcan prevent the pole from interfering with the closing of the opening 57of the container when the support rim is submerged. In one embodiment, apole support 133, such as, for example, a clamp, clip, sleeve, or otherdevice can be affixed to the side of the receptacle 10 for holding orsupporting and/or positioning the flag in a most visible orientation atthe proximal end of the pole. In an alternative embodiment, the polesupport 133 can be attached to an extender 135 that can be attached tothe side of the support rim. The extender can ensure that the pole doesnot interfere with the closing of the opening during submersion. In afurther embodiment, one or more rotatable, turnable, bendable, orotherwise movable or flexible devices, such as, for example, hinges,ball and socket devices, swivel devices, springs, shape-memorymaterials, similar device, or combinations thereof can be utilized withthe pole support 133 and/or the extender 135. It should be understoodthat the attachment of the pole to the support rim can be accomplishedby any of a multitude of techniques and devices known to those withskill in the art. It would be well within the skill of a person trainedin the art, and having benefit of the subject disclosure, to createalternative methods and devices for attaching the flag pole to thesupport rim. It should be understood that any and all such variationsare contemplated to be within the scope of the subject invention.

To attach the floating collection receptacle 10 to the diver or swimmer,a lanyard 70 can be attached by a first end 72 to the bottom end 54 ofthe container 50 and the second end 74 can be attached directly to thediver. In a particular embodiment, the second end is attached to asecuring device 90 that can be releasably attached to the diver. In aspecific embodiment, the securing device employs hook and loop material.It should be understood that the subject invention is not limited to anyspecific method or device for attachment to the diver. Alternativemethods and devices than those presented here are contemplated to bewithin the scope of the subject invention.

As the diver searches for collectable items, the lanyard 70 permits thefloatable collection receptacle 10 follow or drift with the diver as itfloats on the surface of the water. Changes in the diver's depth causedby the underwater topography, tides, wave action, currents, and otherfactors can dictate the length of the lanyard necessary to attach thefloatable collection receptacle 10 to the diver, so that it can stillreach the surface. Therefore, it can be beneficial for the lanyard to beadjustable in length.

In one embodiment, the lanyard 70 has a length that can be adjusted asdesired by the diver. This can permit the diver to manually control howlong the lanyard should be for the existing conditions. There areseveral methods and devices known in the art that would permit a diverto determine and secure an appropriate tether length. In one embodiment,the length of the lanyard can be adjusted by folding or gathering anyunnecessary portion and securing it together to maintain the desiredlength. When additional length is needed, one or more folds or othergathered portion can be released and the remaining unrequired length canbe re-secured. In one embodiment a tether, such as, for example, a tie,wrap-around stay, hook and loop band, elastic band, or devices similarcan be used to secure a length of the lanyard. In a particularembodiment, the tether is attached to the lanyard 70, for convenience.Any unnecessary length of the lanyard can be folded, wound-up, gatheredor otherwise shortened and the tether secured around it to maintain thedesired length.

In another embodiment, a hard or soft case that can be opened andclosed, by any of a variety of means known in the art, is attached tothe lanyard. When desired or necessary, a sufficient length of thelanyard can be gathered into the open container. Closing the containersecures the gathered lanyard portion therein, and maintains theremaining ungathered lanyard at the desired length.

To harvest some collectable items, a diver can be required to makerelatively deep dives. While the support rim can be designed to closewhen submerged, as described above, the force of constant submersion canbe undesirable for certain collected items. It can also be tiring to thediver to continually exert sufficient force to overcome the buoyancy ofthe support rim to make sufficiently deep dives. To prevent this, thelanyard can be designed with sufficient length, so that the harvestercan reach a desired depth. But, in some situations, a lanyard lengthadequate for deeper dives can be inconvenient when returning to thesurface or unsafe. Therefore, it can be desirable for the lanyard to beused with a mechanism that can automatically or semi-automatically wind,roll, fold, retract, gather, or otherwise control lanyard length asnecessary. It can also be desirable for the mechanism to be able torelease the lanyard to increase length as necessary. In a moreparticular embodiment, it can be desirable for the lanyard to be usedwith a mechanism that can react to forces on the lanyard to control thelength of the lanyard appropriately.

In one embodiment, the lanyard is operatively connected to aspring-loaded retracting mechanism 78. Spring-loaded retractingmechanisms are known in the art and have been commonly used with suchitems as, for example, clotheslines, measuring tapes, dog leashes, andsimilarly retractable items. They can employ some type of spring orother shape-memory material or item operably connected to a bobbin,spool, or other structure around which can be wound any of a variety ofelongated, flexible, or at least bendable, tapes, ropes, strings, bands,or similar devices, such as, in the embodiments disclosed herein, alanyard 70. However, other types of retractable mechanisms are known andcould be used with embodiments of the subject invention. Typically, whensufficient force is applied, the two ends of the lanyard are pulledapart the necessary, or available, length. When the force is reduced oreliminated, the two ends are brought closer together and the retractingmechanism operates to shorten the lanyard, drawing the receptacle andthe diver closer together.

In one embodiment, a first end of the lanyard 72 is attached to thebottom end 54 of the container 50 and the second, opposite end isoperably connected to the retracting mechanism, which is removablycoupled to the diver. A force exerted between the buoyancy of thesupport rim 30 attached to the container and the diver can be sufficientto deploy the lanyard. In a more specific embodiment, the retractingmechanism allows the length of the lanyard to be adjustable, so that thelength varies as necessary. In a further embodiment, the retractingmechanism includes a lock that can be engaged to maintain the lanyard atany desired length until the lock is disengaged.

In another embodiment, the lanyard employs an elastic or coiled materialalong some or all of its length. When force is applied between two ends,the lanyard or some portion thereof can stretch or uncoil to the desiredlength. When the force is reduced or eliminated, the elastic materialcauses the lanyard to automatically retract or recoil to the originallength. It should be understood that numerous alternatives forcontrolling the length of the lanyard would be known and/or apparent toa person with skill in the art. Such alternatives are contemplated to bewithin the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Unfortunately, there can be hazards associated with any diving orswimming activity, especially in open water. Moving boats and/or objectsin the water are always a concern. There are also dangerous animals andfish in the water can be attracted to harvested items, such as fish orshellfish, within the floatable collection receptacle 10. In the eventthat a boat or other moving object does not see the safety devices 100and/or the floatable receptacle, it can become entangled in the lanyardor around the floatable collecting receptacle. It is also notimplausible that a shark or other fish, sea mammals, and other creatureswould try to swim away with the contents of the container. In suchevents, the diver, perhaps unaware of or incapable of avoiding theapproaching danger, can be caught and dragged through the water, untilthey are able to release the securing device 90 that attaches them tothe receptacle. However, if the diver is unable for some reason torelease the securing device, they could be dragged through the water,causing injury or moving them dangerously far from their exit point. Toavoid or reduce such dangers, embodiments of the subject invention canemploy a self-releasing lanyard. More specifically, embodiments of thesubject invention employ one or more break-away and/or “shock-arrest”mechanisms 120.

Shock-arrest mechanisms are known in the art and are often utilized withlanyards worn by individuals working at dangerous heights. They areutilized as a safety device typically used to ensure that a person staysattached to another object. Typical designs protect the person fromfalls or other impact and subsequent bodily injury by deploying whensufficient stress is applied to the lanyard. Some safety lanyardsinclude stretchable or elastic material (a.k.a., “bungee cord”) that canexpand beyond a predetermined length when sufficient stress is applied.Others include single- or multi-stage shock absorbing breakablestitching or multiple, attached folds, pleats, loops or similarstructures that release under sufficient stress to allow the lanyard tolengthen in stages and thereby reduce the overall G-forces on the bodyduring a fall. The material utilized for the shock arrest mechanism canbe the same or different from that of the lanyard. Retractable coils orsprings, and other stress-activated, lanyard-extending orlanyard-altering methods are also known and used by those with skill inthe art.

In one embodiment, the lanyard 70 is configured with a shock-arrestmechanism 120 that lengthens the lanyard when sufficient force isapplied to one or both ends of the lanyard. Utilizing one or moreshock-arrest mechanisms with the lanyard can prevent sudden jolting orforceful jerking from being exerted on the body if the lanyard orcollecting receptacle is caught by a fast moving surface vehicle, animalor other moving object. The shock-arrest mechanism when activated bysufficient force on the lanyard can separate gradually so that suddenforce on the body is reduced.

In an alternative embodiment, breakaway stitching 126 is utilized withthe shock-arrest mechanism. In this embodiment, when sufficient force isapplied to the lanyard, the stitching breaks apart to gradually allowthe lanyard to lengthen reducing the effects of a sudden force or joltto the body.

In yet another alternative embodiment, hook and loop material isutilized with the shock arrest mechanism, such that application ofsufficient force separates sections of the hook and loop materialallowing the lanyard to lengthen. Advantageously, this embodiment allowsthe shock arrest mechanism to be re-set or re-assembled by reattachingthe hook and loop sections of material. In a specific embodiment, theshock-arrest mechanism utilizes a combination of both the multiple foldsor pleats incorporated into the lanyard with breakaway stitching and/orhook and loop material that allows the shock arrest mechanism togradually length the lanyard when sufficient stress is applied.

In still another alternative embodiment, the material of the shockarrest mechanism is held within a housing 127, such as, for example, asleeve, case, housing, replaceable packaging, or similar devices, thatpermit that shock arrest mechanism to be re-packed, if necessary, forfuture use. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of this embodiment. With thisoption, the shock arrest mechanism can be partially or entirelydeployed, to protect the diver multiple times. It should be understoodthat a person with skill in the art, having benefit of the subjectapplication, would be able to devise any of a variety of alternativeshock-arrest mechanisms that could be utilized effectively withembodiments of the subject invention. It is contemplated that suchalternatives are within the scope of the subject invention and theherein appended claims.

Some types of shock-arrest mechanisms include one or more separationpoints or break-away mechanisms 125 or similar devices or techniquesthat automatically disconnect or separate at a pre-determined point onthe lanyard to release a person from their attachment to the otherobject, if sufficient force is applied to the lanyard. In these types ofsafety devices, a first force level can be necessary to activate theshock-arrest mechanism and a second force or continued exertion of forceis necessary to activate the break-away mechanism. The first and secondforces can be approximately equivalent or they can be significantlydifferent. By way of non-limiting example, the first force necessary toactivate the shock-arrest mechanism could be less than that necessary toactivate the break-away mechanism. One advantage to this arrangement isthat it can afford the diver an opportunity to disengage the lanyardand/or collection receptacle from whatever it may be entangled with,e.g., coral, oysters, plants, or other harmless objects in the water.However, in the event that the diver is unable (or unwilling!) to tryand disengage from whatever has ensnared them, the break-away mechanismcan be employed to disconnect the diver from the object.

The amount of force necessary to activate a shock-arrest mechanismand/or a break-away mechanism can have great variability, since it candepend upon the intended use. For the purposes of the embodiments of thesubject invention, the amount of force necessary to activate theshock-arrest mechanism and/or the breakaway mechanism should be theminimum necessary to separate the lanyard before the person is draggedor pulled a dangerous distance and/or more than a few feet in the water.The goal of this or a similar arrangement being to prevent a person inthe water from being injured by the force of being dragged, possibly athigh speed and/or over dangerous underwater terrain. By automaticallyseparating the lanyard, they can be released from whatever (surfacevessel, animal, etc.) has become attached to or entangled with thelanyard.

There may also arise situations in which the person is being dragged,but not necessarily at a dangerous speed. For example, a large aquaticpredator that may have taken a liking to the contents of the collectionreceptacle may cruise at relatively slow speeds, or a surface vesselunder low power could continue on at a slow speed, both unaware thatthey are dragging a person along behind them. In such situations, thediver may need to deliberately exert sufficient force to break thelanyard and, thus, their connection to whatever has become ensnared withtheir collection receptacle and/or lanyard. Thus, the amount of forcenecessary to break the lanyard should be the minimum necessary that adiver can exert to break the lanyard. This could be variable dependingupon the strength of the diver. In one embodiment, lanyards could beconfigured with break-away mechanisms that operate with different forcerequirements. By way of non-limited examples, a smaller or younger divermay opt for a lanyard that breaks with an exerted force of approximately5 lbs, whereas a larger, stronger diver can utilize a lanyard thatbreaks with an exerted force of approximately 50 lbs. This can allow thediver the option of detaching the lanyard from an object, if possible,without losing the contents of their collection receptacle, but affordsthe safety being able to totally disconnect from the receptacle and/orthe lanyard if it becomes dangerously ensnared. In one embodiment, thelanyard is configured with a breakaway mechanism that detaches with anexerted force of between approximately 5 lbs. to approximately 100 lbs.In more specific embodiment, the lanyard is configured with a breakawaymechanism that detaches with an exerted force of between approximately10 lbs. and approximately 70 lbs. In a particular embodiment, thelanyard is configured with a breakaway mechanism that detaches with anexerted force of between approximately 15 lbs. and approximately 50 lbs.However, it should be understood that the breakaway mechanism utilizedwith embodiments of the subject invention can be configured to bedetachable with any desirable amount of exerted force, and, as mentionedabove, the force to be exerted can be variable to accommodate for any ofa variety of environments, uses, divers, collected materials, and otherfactors that would be known and appreciated by those with skill in theart. Such variations are contemplated to be within the scope of theembodiments of the subject invention.

There are any of a variety of breakaway-mechanisms 125 known to thosewith skill in the art, including, by way of example, buckles, clasps,connectors, which are designed with break-apart or separableconfigurations. Other types of break-away mechanisms can include heat orcold pressed attachments, or limited-stretch materials, such as, forexample, plastic, rubbers, nylons, metals, other materials or compositesor combinations thereof, that are used as “weak zones”, designed tobreak apart or otherwise separate when appropriate force is applied. Anexample of this would be a section of plastic, rubber or nylon materialincorporated into the lanyard that can stretch a short distance beforebreaking apart. Other examples of weak zones that can be incorporatedinto the lanyard and/or into a shock-arrest mechanism, which aredesigned to break, rip, snap, pull apart, or otherwise separate whensufficient stress is applied, such as, for example perforated or scoredmaterials, hook and loop material, magnetic attachments, or evenmaterials that dissolve or weaken on contact with water. A person withskill in the art, having benefit of the subject disclosure, would beable to determine any of a variety of break-away mechanisms that couldbe utilized with the various embodiments of the subject invention. It iscontemplated that any and all such variations that are not inconsistentwith the teachings herein are within the scope of the subjectapplication and claims.

In one embodiment, the lanyard is configured with at least one shockarrest mechanism. In a particular embodiment, the shock arrest mechanismutilizes multiple folds or pleats that separate under sufficient forceto lengthen the lanyard. In a further particular embodiment, the shockarrest mechanism is formed from the same material used for the lanyard.In an alternative embodiment, the shock arrest mechanism is formed froma different material than the lanyard. In a further alternativeembodiment, the shock arrest mechanism is formed of a material thatminimizes the overall weight and/or size of the shock arrest mechanism,to reduce the burden on the diver as much as possible. In a furtherembodiment, the shock arrest mechanism is maintained in a re-packablehousing, such that the shock arrest mechanism can be deployed (such asduring a harmless entanglement) and re-packed multiple times.

In a further embodiment, a break-away mechanism is employed inconjunction with a shock arrest mechanism on the lanyard. This canensure that if the shock arrest mechanism is fully deployed to itsmaximum length and sufficient force is still applied continually orintermittently to the lanyard, the diver will be disconnected from thecollection receptacle 10 and at least some portion of the lanyardattached thereto. In a particular embodiment, the break-away mechanismis incorporated into the material of the shock arrest mechanism. Thiscan allow the break-away mechanism to also be maintained in the housing127. In a further particular embodiment, the break-away mechanism can belocated on the shock arrest mechanism in such a position that it will beactivated only after the shock arrest mechanism is fully deployed to itsmaximum length, if force is still being continually or intermittentlyapplied to the lanyard. In a still further particular embodiment, theamount of force necessary to activate the break away mechanism is lessthan that necessary to deploy the shock arrest mechanism. Alternatively,the amount of force necessary to activate the break away mechanism canbe greater than that necessary to deploy the shock arrest mechanism.This can ensure that the break away mechanism is activated only whenabsolutely necessary.

In an alternative embodiment, the break away mechanism can beincorporated into the lanyard, separate from or as an alternative to ashock arrest mechanism. With this embodiment, the break away mechanismcan be maintained outside of the housing used for the shock arrestmechanism. Further, the force necessary to activate the break awaymechanism can be greater than that necessary to activate the shockarrest mechanism, to ensure that the lanyard is not separated before theshock arrest mechanism has an opportunity to operate first.

The popularity of swimming and diving for collecting artifacts, shells,sea creatures, and food items is increasing every year. With so manypeople in the water, there are more opportunities for divers toencounter boaters, marine life, and other objects that have thepotential to be very dangerous. The embodiments of the subject inventionprovide a device that makes collecting easier and more efficient, andthat includes several safety features to protect the diver.

All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, andpublications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by referencein their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent theyare not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.

It should be understood that the examples and embodiments describedherein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modificationsor changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in theart and are to be included within the spirit and purview of thisapplication.

It should be understood that any reference in this specification to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “furtherembodiment,” “alternative embodiment,” etc., is for literaryconvenience. The implication is that any particular feature, structure,or characteristic described in connection with such an embodiment isincluded in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance ofsuch phrases in various places in the specification does not necessarilyrefer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anyembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilledin the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic inconnection with other ones of the embodiments.

The invention has been described herein in considerable detail, in orderto comply with the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilled in theart with information needed to apply the novel principles, and toconstruct and use such specialized components as are required. However,it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out byspecifically different equipment and devices, and that variousmodifications, both as to equipment details and operating procedures canbe effected without departing from the scope of the invention itself.Further, it should be understood that, although the present inventionhas been described with reference to specific details of certainembodiments thereof, it is not intended that such details should beregarded as limitations upon the scope of the invention except as and tothe extent that they are included in the accompanying claims.

We claim:
 1. A floatable collection receptacle comprising: a support rimhaving two or more floatable sections forming an interior opening; acontainer having a mouth and a bottom end, wherein the container isoperably connected to the support rim, such that the mouth is contiguouswith the interior opening of the support rim; a lanyard having a distalend and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is operably connected ator about the bottom end of the container; further comprising an escapebarrier with a drop hole over the interior opening of the support rimwhere the escape barrier is directed towards the mouth of the containerand directs objects towards the drop hole; and wherein the two or morefloatable sections remain in an apart position until a force exerted bythe lanyard at least partially submerges the support rim whereby the twoor more floatable sections automatically come together and cause themouth of the container to close or be reduced in size.
 2. The floatablecollection receptacle, according to claim 1, wherein the two or morefloatable sections are generally C-shaped.
 3. The floatable collectionreceptacle, according to claim 1, further comprising a securing deviceat the proximal end of the lanyard.
 4. The floatable collectionreceptacle, according to claim 3, wherein the lanyard has an adjustablelength.
 5. The floatable collection receptacle, according to claim 1,wherein the support rim comprises sections of inflatable balloonapparatuses.
 6. The floatable collection receptacle, according to claim1, wherein the support rim comprises a foam material.
 7. The floatablecollection receptacle, according to claim 1, wherein the containercomprises a plurality of openings to allow water flow.
 8. The floatablecollection receptacle, according to claim 7, wherein the container is arigid or semi-rigid enclosure.
 9. The floatable collection receptacle,according to claim 7, wherein the container is a flexible enclosure. 10.The floatable collection receptacle, according to claim 7, wherein thecontainer and the support rim are inseparable.
 11. The floatablecollection receptacle, according to claim 7, wherein the container andthe support rim can be separated.
 12. The floatable collectionreceptacle, according to claim 10, wherein the escape barrier comprisesa flexible material with a plurality of openings to allow water flow.13. The floatable collection receptacle, according to claim 10, whereinthe escape barrier comprises a plurality of crossing lines.
 14. Thefloatable collection receptacle, according to claim 12, furthercomprising a surface marker bouy removably attached to the support rim.15. The floatable collection receptacle, according to claim 14, furthercomprising a pole support.